Dear Editor,
As a candidate for the Killington Select Board, I’m running on a commitment to transparency, accountability, and steady leadership. I believe that trust in local government begins with clear standards and clear enforcement.
Killington’s current conflict of interest policy, adopted in 2019, provides a useful foundation. However, it lacks the tools to ensure accountability when ethical concerns arise. The draft ethics ordinance now under consideration is a step in the right direction, and if I’m elected, I will advocate for strengthening it even further:
- Establish clear enforcement procedures: Introduce defined processes for filing, investigating, and resolving ethics complaints, ensuring fairness and consistency.
- Annual disclosure requirements: Mandate that elected and appointed officials submit annual disclosures of potential conflicts, promoting transparency.
- Independent ethics oversight: Form an independent ethics committee or designate a neutral party to oversee ethics matters, reducing potential biases.
- Anonymous reporting mechanisms: Allow for confidential reporting of ethical concerns, safeguard whistleblowers, and encourage reporting.
- Mandatory ethics training: Implement regular training sessions for all town officials to reinforce ethical standards and responsibilities.
- Regular public reporting: Provide annual summaries of ethics complaints and resolutions (without disclosing personal details) to maintain public trust.
These proposals align with best practices observed in other Vermont towns and recommendations from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT). We can strengthen our community’s confidence in local governance by adopting these measures.
I’ve been proud to serve on the Planning Commission, and my family is deeply invested in this community. If elected to the Select Board, I’ll work hard to bring a professional, even-handed approach to every discussion and every vote.
I’d be honored to earn your vote for the Killington Select Board on May 28.
Dave McComb, Killington
